Luis Robert Jr. Trade Rumors: Padres Emerging as Most Aggressive Suitor for White Sox Star
Luis Robert Jr. continues to be the focal point of the Chicago White Sox's offseason plans - or perhaps more accurately, their attempts to reshape a roster that’s long overdue for a reset. The 28-year-old outfielder is one of the most talented pieces the franchise has, but also one of the most difficult to move. Injuries have clouded his value, yet his upside still makes him one of the most intriguing trade chips on the market.
And despite the challenges, interest in Robert is heating up.
Multiple teams are reportedly circling - including the Mets, Phillies, Pirates, and Padres - all of whom are looking to inject some life into their lineups. Each of those clubs has a need for a dynamic, middle-of-the-order bat, and Robert, when healthy, fits that mold. Even the Pirates, typically cautious spenders, are reportedly in the mix and appear capable of absorbing his $20 million salary.
But among the suitors, it’s the San Diego Padres who are emerging as the most aggressive. And if you know anything about A.J. Preller, that shouldn’t surprise you.
Padres in Win-Now Mode, and Robert Could Be the Spark
Preller has never been shy about swinging big - and this offseason feels like another one of those moments. The Padres are staring down a pivotal year with an aging core and a roster that underperformed in 2025. They finished 18th in runs scored and 28th in home runs - not exactly what you’d expect from a team with October ambitions.
That’s where Robert comes in. Even after a rocky season, he brings a blend of power, speed, and elite defense that few players can match.
Yes, his 2025 slash line of .223/.297/.364 leaves plenty to be desired, but it’s not the full story. After a sluggish start, Robert caught fire in July, hitting .353/.441/.549 with five homers and three stolen bases.
That’s a 176 wRC+ over the month - a reminder of just how impactful he can be when things click.
And let’s not forget the glove. Robert posted 7 Outs Above Average this past season, reinforcing his value as a top-tier center fielder.
He’s not the kind of player you stash at DH - he’s too valuable with the leather. But that’s also where things get tricky for San Diego.
Positional Fit? Not Perfect - But That Might Not Matter
On paper, the Padres’ outfield is already crowded. Jackson Merrill has blossomed into a star in center, while Ramon Laureano and Fernando Tatis Jr. bring power and athleticism to the corners. There’s no obvious hole for Robert to slide into.
But talent acquisition isn’t always about clean fits - sometimes it’s about stockpiling elite players and figuring out the rest later. That’s a philosophy Preller has embraced before, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him do it again. If Robert is available - and the money can be worked out - San Diego could get creative with their lineup to make room.
What Could the White Sox Get in Return?
From Chicago’s perspective, moving Robert won’t be easy, but it might be necessary. His value is still high enough to bring back a meaningful return, even after an injury-plagued season. And while top prospect Ethan Salas is likely untouchable, the Padres do have other assets that could appeal to the White Sox.
One name to watch: Miguel Mendez, a major-league-ready pitcher who was recently added to San Diego’s 40-man roster. For a team like Chicago, looking to rebuild its rotation and add controllable arms, Mendez could be a strong starting point in any deal.
Of course, the financial side of things looms large. Robert’s salary isn’t insignificant, and any trade would likely require some creative accounting or salary offsets. But if there’s a front office willing to navigate those waters, it’s Preller’s.
Final Thoughts
Luis Robert Jr. remains one of the most compelling trade chips of the offseason - a player with All-Star upside, Gold Glove defense, and the kind of raw tools that front offices dream about. The risk is real, especially with his injury history and streaky production.
But the reward? That’s potentially game-changing.
For the Padres, who are stuck in the middle of a competitive window that’s starting to close, this might be the time to swing big - again. And for the White Sox, it could be the move that finally jumpstarts a long-overdue rebuild.
The pieces are on the table. Now it’s up to Chris Getz and A.J. Preller to decide whether to make the move.